Frankly Speaking – May 27, 2016

Good Folks, it is Friday, May 27, 2016. Only 24 shopping days until Father’s Day. (Hint, Hint, Hint)

I love “free stuff.” When I see bookmarks available, regardless of the message or advertisement, I usually pick some up. This time the free bookmark is worth writing about.

EHAC. These letters mean, “Early Heart AttackCare.”

I will quote from the bookmark: “So what are the early symptoms? Remember, people may or may not experience any or all of these symptoms:

Nausea

Pain that travels down one or both arms

Jaw pain

Fatigue

Anxiety

Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort

Back pain

Shortness of breath

Feeling of fullness

Also, people may experience mild chest symptoms, such as pressure, burning, aching or tightness. These symptoms may come and go until finally becoming constant and severe.”

The bookmark noted that 85% of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of the heart attack. EHAC is knowing the subtle danger signs of a heart attack and acting upon them immediately – BEFORE HEART DAMAGE OCCURS

In my pastoral articles written for the last 28 years, I do not believe that I have written one like this one. Why? Ask God. I was visiting a church member recently at a hospital, and when leaving I saw this free bookmark. My soul was stirred to share this with you today. Share this with others. On a personal note, I am working on memorizing these symptoms for myself.

There are 592 occurrences in 550 verses of the word “heart” in scripture, NRSV. The first time heart is mentioned is Genesis 6:6, And the LORD was sorry that he had made humankind on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.

Some Facts about the human heart **

A human heart is roughly the size of a large fist.

The heart weighs between about 10 to 12 ounces (280 to 340 grams) in men and 8 to 10 ounces (230 to 280 grams) in women.

The heart beats about 100,000 times per day (about 3 billion beats in a lifetime).

The heart pumps about 6 quarts (5.7 liters) of blood throughout the body.

There are times, like God’s, when our hearts grieve. We grieve because we risk loving. For God so loved you that he gave his only begotten son…you know the rest. God loves you. Go ahead and share that with a world that needs to know.